In the heart of our mission at FlyOver Travel, beyond the horizons we help our clients explore, lies a deep-rooted commitment to community and the empowering force of education. It is with immense pride and a spirit of collaboration that we announce our support for the Plaza Academy Annual Fundraiser, a beacon of hope and progress in the educational landscape.
Plaza Academy stands out as an institution that not only acknowledges but embraces the individuality of non-traditional learners. With a mission “to provide academic, therapeutic, and civic education in an ownership-based environment,” this remarkable academy empowers its students to navigate the challenges of high school with confidence and grace, guiding them toward becoming successful young adults. It is a mission that resonates deeply with our values at FlyOver Travel, where every journey is a step towards discovery and self-realization.
Our agency’s support for the Plaza Academy Annual Fundraiser is more than a gesture of charity; it is a reflection of our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. We recognize that the journey of learning, much like travel, is about exploring new perspectives, overcoming obstacles, and discovering one’s potential. This alignment of values has inspired us to contribute to the Academy’s efforts, ensuring that every student has the support and resources they need to succeed.
Kristin Freeman, our CEO and the visionary leader behind FlyOver Travel, encapsulates our collective sentiment perfectly: “Our travel agency is committed to supporting educational organizations like Plaza Academy that make a difference in kids’ lives every day of the year.” Her words echo the ethos of our agency, highlighting our dedication to initiatives that foster growth, learning, and community development.
At FlyOver Travel, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond creating memorable travel experiences. It is about being a part of something greater, contributing to the welfare of our community, and supporting the causes that pave the way for a brighter future. Our partnership with Plaza Academy is a testament to this belief, a symbol of our commitment to the youth and the community that surrounds us.
As we continue to explore new horizons and bring dreams to life, we remain grounded in our purpose to make a meaningful impact beyond the realms of travel. Supporting the Plaza Academy Annual Fundraiser is just one of the many ways we strive to fulfill this purpose, reinforcing our commitment to education, community, and the indomitable spirit of our youth. Join us in this noble cause, and together, let’s help shape a world where every child has the opportunity to soar to their highest potential. You can learn more about Plaza Academy at www.plazaacademy.org
About FlyOver Travel
FlyOver Travel, founded in 2017 by the visionary female entrepreneur Kristin Freeman, has quickly risen to prominence as a leading travel agency based in the Kansas, Overland Park, Leawood area, yet with an international footprint serving clients from around the world. Under Kristin’s leadership, FlyOver has assembled a team of experienced travel professionals from across the country, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences.
Recognized for our exceptional service and expertise, we’ve been honored with numerous awards,(Best Travel Agency in Kansas City) highlighting our position as a top-performing travel agency and showcasing our commitment to being the best travel agents in the industry. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene getaway or an adventure across continents, FlyOver Travel is your gateway to the world, making every journey an extraordinary experience.
Welcome to “The Ultimate Guide to Carry-On Packing,” presented by FlyOver Travel, your trusted companion in luxury travel. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the art of efficient packing, focusing exclusively on carry-on luggage. The modern traveler seeks a blend of comfort, style, and convenience. One of the key aspects of achieving this blend is mastering the art of packing smartly using only carry-on luggage.
The Philosophy of Carry-On Travel
Carry-on travel isn’t just a method; it’s a philosophy that aligns with the luxurious, unencumbered lifestyle that discerning travelers aspire to. In an era where time is luxury, carrying on luggage ensures a seamless, stress-free travel experience, allowing you to bypass the hassles of checked baggage.
Why Choose Carry-On?
Avoid Lost Luggage: Annually, airlines mishandle millions of bags. In 2022 alone, over 26 million pieces of checked luggage were misplaced globally. By choosing carry-on, you keep your belongings within your sight and control.
Save Time: Carry-on luggage means no waiting at baggage carousels or dealing with lost luggage claims. It’s about stepping off the plane and moving straight to your next adventure or business meeting.
Ease of Mobility: With just carry-on, navigating through airports, crowded streets, and public transport becomes significantly easier, offering you a more pleasant travel experience.
The Art of Packing: Expanding on Essential Tips
Understand Your Luggage: Select a high-quality, durable, and lightweight bag that adheres to standard carry-on dimensions, typically 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches.
Strategic Clothing Choices: Embrace the mix-and-match philosophy. Choose versatile pieces that coordinate well to create multiple outfits from a few items.
The Rolling Technique: Roll clothes to minimize space and avoid wrinkles. Packing cubes can be used for better organization and to compress clothes further.
Footwear Strategy: Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes packed in your luggage, and wear the bulkiest pair during travel. Choose shoes that are versatile for various occasions and activities.
Personal Item Perks: Use your personal item wisely. Pack essentials and heavy items here, but ensure it fits under the seat in front of you.
Solid Over Liquid: Opt for solid toiletries to comply with TSA guidelines and to save space. Solid soaps, shampoos, and even laundry detergent are great options.
Laundry Solutions: Plan to do laundry during your trip. This means you can pack fewer items and reuse what you have.
Technology and Entertainment: Choose digital versions of books, magazines, and documents. Use e-readers and tablets to save space and weight.
The Weight Factor: Keep the weight of your carry-on in mind. An overpacked carry-on can be just as cumbersome as checked luggage.
Last-Minute Checks: Always recheck your packing list and the airline’s carry-on policy before heading to the airport to avoid any surprises.
Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits
With these expert tips and strategies, you are now equipped to pack efficiently and luxuriously, using only carry-on luggage. Embrace the freedom and elegance of carry-on travel and experience the world with FlyOver Travel. Your journey of sophistication and hassle-free travel begins here. We have some ideas for you on the best style of luggage. You can see some of our favorites here.
Travel planning involves selecting destinations, arranging accommodations, and organizing activities. Below are the most searched travel topics and how specialized travel agents assist with each. By utilizing a professional travel advisor you can take the stress out of travel planning and leverage the immense knowledge travel agents gather each year for their clients.
The team at FlyOver Travel By Beach Happy travels extensively each year to find new destinations and experiences to help their clients enjoy the best vacation or travel journey possible.
Travel Agent for Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers cruises for adults seeking modern ships, fine dining, and unique itineraries. These cruises focus on creating an elevated travel experience with entertainment, themed events, and personalized service. Travel agents specializing in Virgin Voyages simplify the planning process and provide added value for your trip.
Help select routes such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Transatlantic crossings.
Offer guidance on cabin types to maximize comfort and budget.
Provide access to exclusive perks and special onboard experiences.
Travel Agent for Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises offers culturally focused river and ocean cruises with carefully designed itineraries. These cruises emphasize history, local culture, and immersive experiences. A travel agent ensures you make the most of your journey while handling all the logistics.
Assist in choosing itineraries tailored to your interests and preferred destinations.
Book guided excursions to explore local cultures and landmarks.
Help select the best cabins and onboard packages for a comfortable experience.
Travel Agent for Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts provide luxurious, all-inclusive stays at adults-only properties in the Caribbean. These resorts cater to couples looking for relaxation, romance, and endless amenities. Travel agents help narrow down options and provide personalized recommendations for the best experience. Sandals offers multiple locations and room types to fit any need for couples, friends or families.
Match your preferences with the ideal Sandals location and room type.
Coordinate dining reservations, spa appointments, and water activities.
Secure exclusive offers and benefits to enhance your stay.
Travel Agent for the Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a popular destination for their turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and island charm. Travelers can choose between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, each offering unique attractions. Travel agents make planning easy by recommending the best places to stay and activities to enjoy.
Suggest top accommodations for honeymooners, families, or groups.
Plan activities such as snorkeling, sailing, or exploring local markets.
Provide insider tips on lesser-known spots and hidden gems.
Travel Agent for European Vacations
Europe offers endless opportunities to explore historic cities, picturesque villages, and diverse cultures. Planning a trip to multiple countries can feel overwhelming without expert help. Travel agents streamline your itinerary and help you focus on what matters most to you.
Plan multi-city itineraries, including destinations like Paris, Rome, and Prague.
Arrange accommodations and transportation for a seamless experience.
Recommend guided tours, museum passes, and local dining options.
Travel Agent for Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a favorite for eco-conscious travelers, adventure seekers, and families. This destination is known for its lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches. A travel agent helps craft an itinerary that includes adventure, relaxation, and unique accommodations.
Recommend activities such as wildlife tours, zip-lining, or relaxing on the beach.
Book stays in eco-lodges, boutique hotels, or luxury resorts.
Offer tips on the best times to visit and advice for traveling safely.
Travel Agent for Destination Weddings
Destination weddings allow couples to combine their special day with a memorable travel experience. Choosing the right location and managing guest arrangements can be challenging. A travel agent provides expert support to ensure your wedding is perfect and stress-free.
Recommend popular wedding destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii.
Coordinate guest travel, accommodations, and group activities.
Work with local wedding planners and venues to handle details like décor and catering.
Travel Agent for River Cruises
River cruises provide a relaxing way to explore scenic regions and cultural highlights. These cruises often feature small ships with personalized service and curated excursions. A travel agent simplifies the booking process and provides valuable insights to maximize your experience.
Help select cruise lines such as Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways or Avalon.
Book guided excursions and onboard experiences tailored to your preferences.
Explain the benefits of a river cruise and what to expect.
Travel Agent for Christmas Market River Cruises
Christmas market cruises are a festive way to experience Europe during the holiday season. These cruises stop at famous markets where travelers can enjoy traditional treats, decorations, and handmade crafts. A travel agent ensures your trip is both magical and hassle-free.
Choose routes featuring markets in cities like Vienna, Cologne, or Strasbourg.
Arrange special holiday-themed excursions and activities.
Secure seasonal excursions and plan festive onboard events.
Travel Agent for Group Bookings
Group travel can include family reunions, corporate trips, destination weddings or vacations with friends. Coordinating travel for a large group often requires specialized knowledge and resources. A travel agent handles all details to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Arrange group accommodations, transportation, and excursions.
Plan activities and events to suit all group members’ interests.
Manage complex logistics like airport transfers and shared itineraries.
Why Use a Travel Agent?
Travel agents offer expertise, convenience, and access to perks you might miss when planning alone. Their insights save time and ensure every detail is handled professionally. Whether planning a luxury getaway, a group trip, or a family vacation, working with a travel agent ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The professionals at FlyOver Travel By Beach Happy are experienced in booking travel to Europe, Caribbean, Sandals Resorts, River Cruises, Destination Weddings, Safaris and more. Contact a member of our team to learn how we can help you find the best journey for you.
Everything about the Year 2020 has been unprecedented. As the world gears up to celebrate COVID Holidays this year, awareness of Air Travel safety measures is significance. Planning air travel in the current times has become a tedious exercise that requires a plethora of careful considerations. Travelers are still confused and apprehensive of the Do’s and Do Not’s while at the airport or on board a flight. If you are one of them, planning air travel but worried about how to fly safely without losing out on all the fun, this article is for you!
Air travel remains the most convenient and quick mode of travel. However, airports are also places that attract a considerable crowd. With the onset of the festive season, many countries are lifting travel restrictions. Hence, long queues and crowded airport lounges could be a common sight. Though authorities and airline companies would follow hygiene and safety guidelines, it is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure personal safety and hygiene as they travel. Here are a few safety tips we wanted to share for you to keep in mind if you are flying this holiday season.
1. Follow the Undeniable rule of Wearing Masks:
Wear masks at all times while you are at the airport or inside the flight. It is crucial to follow extant guidelines on proper usage and disposal of masks after use. While people in the risk category and the elderly are advised to wear medical/surgical masks, travelers in the relatively less risk-prone category can opt for fabric masks. Ensure that you keep your mouth, nose, and chin covered while you wear the mask. Keep a stock of a good number of masks with you. Wear a new mask once you deboard the plane.
2. Wash, Sanitize, Repeat!
While wearing a mask is one of the means of protection, washing hands intermittently is necessary to maintain proper hygiene. Do not forget to keep a good hand sanitizer handy to use while on the flight when water is not readily available.
3. Social Distancing Is The New Norm!
While booking air tickets opt for airlines that follow administrative protocols. If you can, choose to fly with Airlines which restrict passenger capacity to limited numbers. Doing so can facilitate social distancing during your flight. Keep yourself at a distance from persons who appear sick and avoid exposing yourself to droplets from coughing and sneezing by co-passengers. If possible, check out options to travel in business class to ensure personal space during travel.
4. Touching Your Face Is A Big “NO”!
Despite all the precautions, you could still be vulnerable to infection. Inadvertent contact with susceptible surfaces increases the risk of disease. Therefore, avoid touching your face, nose, and mask frequently. A face shield is an excellent way to prevent yourself from touching your face often. Wearing shades or goggles would help keep your hands off your eyes.
5. Web Check-Ins to Ebb the Queue!
Given the pandemic, most Airline companies have enabled online check-in process. You can opt for online check in to avoid standing in queues and crowded areas. It is important to reach the airport at least 3 hours before flight time if possible, with increased steps in the process extra time is always helpful! Remain cautious about practicing social Distancing while undergoing a security check. Sanitize yourself soon after security check.
6. Medical Fitness Is Mandatory!
Visit your GP and get yourself checked before travel to ensure you are fit to travel. Avoid travel by all means if you are sick or feel unwell. Keep an Oximeter and digital thermometer with you to check your temperature and oxygen levels regularly while traveling. Keep your regular medicines, if any, handy just if you need them while onboard the aircraft.
7. Pack Your Lunch!
In compliance with Covid Protocol, most Airlines do not provide food on board. It is advisable to carry homemade food, water, and cutlery and avoid food from outside while at the airport and on a flight. After all, home-cooked food is the best food!
8. Carry Blankets And Other Essentials:
Carry blankets, earphones, and other personal requirements to use while on the flight. Be mindful of where you touch while using common washrooms.
9. Keep yourself abreast of airline policies concerning travel:
During uncertain times, there is a high probability that travel policies might change at short notice. Remain aware and informed of the current pandemic status at your travel locations. Ensure clarity of refund policies of the airline company in the event of a last-minute cancellation.
The Show goes on but be watchful – nothing can be more refreshing than a getaway after months of lockdown and isolation. The excitement to explore new places and enjoy the outdoors would sure be palpable. Amidst all the gloom and ambiguity that the pandemic has brought in, life still goes on, and we find new ways to deal with the new normal. However, to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, remain cautious all the while during your vacation and stay watchful after you get back home. Remain in self-quarantine for the prescribed period post-travel. Be aware and alert to every minute variation in your health.
Let this holiday season be one of care, caution, and celebration!
Where do you start when it comes to planning your vacation?
Step 1 – choose the right travel agent to help! With so many destinations, travel guidelines and restrictions, resort and tour options travel planning can be overwhelming – travel agents can help guide you in your decision making process by providing both experience and industry knowledge that can prove invaluable.
So how do you choose? Simply searching for a “travel agent near me” and picking the first result that pops up may not be the best solution. Here are some helpful hints you should consider when choosing a travel agent for your next adventure.
When you begin your search there are a huge number of options provided – the digital world we live in ensures vast amounts of information to be delivered to your fingertips! Search engines automatically rank options based on their relevance – certainly this means the first result will almost always be the best travel agent or agency to help you with your trip? Unfortunately that is not the case. While it would absolutely make life easier the search engine simply cannot provide you with all the answers you need! Search engines are complex, based on data that may not be relevant or important to you and your needs and by all means cannot measure some of the most important aspects of having a trusted travel agent as a partner.
That being said, our digital world can provide you with some helpful information to include credentials, reviews and content and is worth the time it takes to do some investigation.
How to Pick!
Vacation are unique for each person, family or group and are an investment, even if it is local or only for a short period of time. Aside from these factors your time is valuable and what you get you want to spend making the memories with family and friends during your vacation – not setting in front of a computer planning it. Here are some important things to consider when making your choice!
Reputation
When choosing a travel agent or agency to help you with your next trip, we cannot stress highly enough how important it is that you check their reputation. In fact, this should always be one of the first things that you do.
Why is this? Well, in short, considering the agent’s past reviews and reputation can provide a lot of insight into the services that they provide. Indeed, any travel agent can claim to be the best – but are they really as good as they say? Are they all they’re cracked up to be? Reviews can help you understand this.
Reviews from a travel agent’s past customers are particularly beneficial to consider. After all, they’re an unbiased opinion of the agency’s services and professionalism!
When looking at past customer reviews, the following things are worth thinking about:
● What was the star rating for the review (usually on a 1- to 5-star basis)?
● Where did the customers travel to?
● How long was their trip?
● What was the customer service like with the travel agency?
● Did the customer have any issues with the travel agency?
Finding out this information is easy; you can usually get a good idea of the travel agency’s reputation by considering this. Always make sure you check both the high and low rated reviews, too; they may provide more insight when considered together than when considered separately from one another.
Make Sure the Reviews Are Legitimate!
When considering a company’s reputation, always think about the legitimacy of the reviews! Unfortunately, it is possible for companies to fake reviews – this is something that is happening increasingly often these days. However, there are normally a few signs that can indicate that a company’s seemingly stellar reviews may not be all they’re claiming!
● When were the reviews posted? A common mistake that fake reviewers make when reviewing a company is that all of the reviews appear to be posted at the same time, or notably close in time to each other. For example, if you notice that many of the reviews seem to all be posted on the same day, or if the reviews are being posted at seemingly regular intervals, you may want to consider the potential of the reviews being faked.
● Do the reviews sound similar? This is something else that’s important to consider when thinking about a company’s reputation. If the reviews sound quite similar to each other then there’s the chance that they may have been written by the same person! Think about it for a moment – everyone has their own unique way of speaking and their own unique way of writing, too. So, if the reviews all use the same sort of language there’s the chance that they could have been faked by someone looking to get more positive reviews for their travel agency.
● Do they go into detail? A final thing that you might want to consider is whether the reviews go into detail. Normally, with legitimate reviews, you will see a selection of long and short reviews. Some reviews may only have a star rating. Others might have a short, few-word response (for example, “great service” or “highly recommended travel agency!”) while others could go into much more detail. So, when checking the integrity of reviews, check to see if there are varying lengths – and for longer reviews, do the reviewers go into detail about their trip? If they do, it’s more likely the review is legitimate – and vice versa.
Industry Knowledge
Choosing a travel agent to help with your next trip can seem difficult, but one of the most important things is that you choose someone with extensive experience in the industry. There are so many complications which could impact your vacation, from canceled flights to forgotten aspects of the trip; having a skilled travel agency on your side for the holiday will mean that any such difficulties are easily resolved.
Customer Service
When you choose a travel agent to help with your next trip, you should always think about the customer service that is available from the team. As part of this, consider how you can get in touch with them, their working hours, and how fast they have responded to any messages so far. After all, if there’s ever any updates that you need to know about while stuck in another country, you want a travel agent who you can rely on to get the right info to you as soon as possible!
If you think that your next vacation would benefit from having a travel agency on your side, then you may be wondering about where you can travel with their help. And in short, the answer to this question is – well, anywhere you want!
A travel agency may specialize in a specific destination, such as Europe or local vacations. You should always check, therefore, that your chosen travel agent can provide you with the level of support for your vacation that you want!
However, it’s safe to say that travel agencies can help you get anywhere you’ve dreamed of. In fact, their expertise and connections in the industry may even allow you to travel to destinations that might not of ever dreamed of also.
By choosing a travel agent to help you with your vacation, you’ll benefit in numerous ways. Spend your time enjoying your vacation, not planning it or worrying about the details or potential hiccups that may come up along the way.
About Our Team
If you’ve been trawling the search engines for a “travel agent near me” then our team here at Fly Over Travel by Beach Happy may be able to help. We are proud to be able to offer our clients a superior standard of service for all of their holiday needs.
Our team has the skills and experience in the travel industry to get you where you want to go for the most competitive prices. From the beaches of Caribbean to the awe-inspiring landscapes, sights, and culture of Europe, or any travel destination in mind then we are here to help you make it a reality. We are a team of five that all have specialized in various destinations around the world – not “jacks of all trades” but true experts in our areas. We work in unison to provide the best experience to our clients no matter where their adventure is taking them.
Don’t put the fate of your next trip at stake. Give our team the chance to organize the perfect vacation for you, your family and your friends; after all, you deserve the chance to get away and experience the many wonders of the world, and we are here to help you do exactly that.
As a professional travel agency, we have heard it all, “I like planning my own travel” or “What does a Travel Agency do” or “I thought working with a travel agent would cost me more”? These are very common for those who have not used a travel agency in the past and it is ok to ask!
Before I was in the industry and I started the agency I too booked all of my family’s trips – it was my passion and what led me to this profession but candidly each trip I booked I was hoping I made the right choices and had all of the details correct, bottom line a lot of STRESS. I spent countless hours researching and guessing on where we should travel, what resort was best, what would the weather be like, what excursions and tours were safe and worth the investment and then who to choose?
As a Travel Agency we have the experience of knowing destinations around the world that are great options for everyone. Our agents travel each year to identify additional options for you and we network with other professional travel agents, tour operators, resorts and tourism professionals around the world to give us many options to choose from when recommending travel trips to our clients.
We take travel seriously. We take customer service seriously. We believe in showing value before you commit.
Below are a few reasons we think you should consider when deciding to use a travel agency. Take a look and if you still have questions please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for considering FlyOver Travel by Beach Happy as an option for information and resources to learn about travel.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Expertise: Professionally trained travel agents invest years in education and complete length certification exams to become experts. We also travel and inspect properties several times a year to become more knowledgeable and gain further insight. Our goal is to match your wants and needs to the perfect destination / resort, we collaborate with our clients.
Stress Free Planning and Travel: Why waste time combing through the overwhelming amount of options online? We cut through the clutter to find what works best for you and your unique vacation needs. Agents also have partnerships with properties and suppliers for special deals and extra values like room upgrades, resort credits and more. All you need to do is pack and go!
Value: Many people are unaware that when you book online through one of “those” vacation site, you’re paying a “gross” rate that already includes an agent commission, whether you benefit from our assistance or not. Why not get the extra service and attention that you paid for? Our partners provide us with the commission, our pricing for you tends to be the same price you could have secured for yourself and sometimes even less!
Consumer Protection: Unlike big box stores or generic websites, we don’t go away once your invoice is paid. We solve problems and advocate on your behalf when help is needed with 24/7 support. We also work with you to insure your trip and protect your vacation investment.
Support: We are in your corner during the booking process, leading up to your departure and through your travel. We answer your questions before you leave, help with any pesky changes that pop up prior to departure (it is alot right now) and are a resource if anything comes up while you are traveling. No waiting endlessly on hold to get answers!
However you choose to plan your trip, know that using a travel professional can take a lot of work off of your plate. Enjoy the comfort and security of having a partner in your next travel trip.
We would love to work with you on your next adventure!
